Teen made 'very bad decisions,' sent to prison

A 19-year-old O’Neill man, originally accused of committing 11 crimes last April, was sentenced to prison for five of the offenses last week in the Holt County district courtroom in O’Neill.

The Honorable Mark Kozisec sentenced Ethan J. Peterson to imprisonment under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services for a period of 24 months, with credit for 54 days already served, on Count I, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class 3A felony; 12 months, with credit for 54 days, on Count II, possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, concurrent to sentence on Count I; six months, with credit for 54 days, on count III, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class 1 misdemeanor, to be served concurrent to sentences on counts I and II; 12-month term of imprisonment on Count IV, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a Class 4 felony, to be served consecutively to the sentences on counts I through III; and 12 months on Count V, terroristic threats, a Class 4 felony, to be served consecutively to sentences pronounced in counts I through IV.

If Peterson loses none of his good time, he will be eligible for mandatory release after serving 24 months, less the 54 days. Imprisonment will be followed by 18 months post-release supervision. He was taxed $147 costs of prosecution.

“Mr. Peterson has made some very bad decisions in his life, and now finds himself in prison, as well as facing other cases and charges in both Holt and Pierce counties,” said Holt County attorney Brent Kelly, in a post-sentencing statement. “Over the past few years, we are seeing drug users and drug dealers (who) are very young, sometimes not even out of high school. I hope Mr. Peterson's case will serve as a wake-up call to these kids and their parents.”

On Jan. 8, a deal with Kelly was announced. Peterson pleaded guilty to the five charges contained in an amended information and the remaining six counts were dismissed by Kelly, including minor in possession of alcohol, two additional counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, an additional count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a deadly weapon during commission of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Peterson was arrested April 9, 2023, during the investigation into a vehicle that was allegedly stolen and wrecked by a juvenile co-defendant. According to an arrest affidavit filed by investigator Steven Binkard, a total of 1,630 schedule four pills were located on Peterson’s person. Binkard estimated the pills had a street value of nearly $10,000. Binkard also reported Peterson had meth and paraphernalia on his person and a firearm, alcohol, marijuana, cigarette and vape pen were found in the vehicle.

Peterson now faces charges in two new Holt County cases and two in Pierce County. He is represented in both counties by Martin Klein of Neligh. He waived his right to preliminary hearings in the Holt County cases and is set for district court arraignment April 8.

Seven counts alleged Dec. 15 in O’Neill include possession of a destructive device, a Class 4 felony; three counts of possession of a controlled substance (cocaine, methamphetamine, THC), possession of marijuana, possession of a deadly weapon (BB gun) during commission of a felony and possession of a deadly weapon (combat knife) during commission of a felony.

Counts alleged in O’Neill on Feb. 6 include second-degree criminal trespass, obstructing a peace officer, delivery of a controlled substance (psilocybin), carrying concealed weapon by prohibited person, possession of a deadly weapon by prohibited person, possession of a deadly weapon during commission of a felony, possession of meth and possession of paraphernalia.

He was released on bond in the second case Feb. 25 and was arrested in rural Pierce County the following day on allegations including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and MIP. While being detained in the Pierce County Jail, he allegedly committed additional crimes, including four counts of assault while incarcerated, terroristic threats and criminal mischief.

He posted 10% of a $75,000 bond in Pierce County on March 5 and filed a waiver of preliminary hearing in the second case March 8. Arraignment in Pierce County district court is set March 28. The other Pierce County case was dismissed.